Given the appeal of the maple leaf in Punjab – and lately in other parts of India as well – some might find it incredible that not everyone who comes to Canada chooses to stay there . In fact, according to a new study from Statistics Canada, approximately 17.5% of immigrants who arrived in Canada between 1982 and 2017 ended up emigrating from the country within 20 years of arriving on these shores.
The study notes that the probability of leaving was higher between three and seven years after arrival.
“This period may reflect the time immigrants spend trying to integrate into Canada by looking for a job, finding a place to live and adjusting to life in Canada. Some immigrants may also emigrate if they encounter integration difficulties or if they intended to do so from outside,” indicates the Statistics Canada report.
It further states that immigrants from certain countries are more likely to migrate again. More than 25% of immigrants born in Taiwan, the United States, France, Hong Kong or Lebanon emigrated within 20 years of admission.
On the other hand, the report notes that the emigration of the Indian population is lower.
However, it is important to keep in mind that this study is based on data up to 2017. Although the influx of Indian immigrants to Canada has increased significantly, recently – at least anecdotally – a number of Indians choose to return home or move to another country. countries.
A few years ago, while hosting a call-in show for a Toronto-based South Asian radio station, I asked my listeners if they had considered leaving Canada due to increasing unaffordability. A significant number of people answered in the affirmative. Those who answered yes were predominantly young and from highly skilled fields such as technology and finance. They cited fewer opportunities, lower wages, higher taxes and prohibitive housing costs as reasons for considering moving. Many were waiting to obtain their Canadian citizenship so they could move to the United States and work there. Those who settled for Canada frequently worked in logistics, trades, hospitality or real estate – fields in demand in this country. And most had a home here.
That’s consistent with another study last year by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Conference Board of Canada, which showed newcomers were emigrating in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
This study found that the number of immigrants who left Canada between 2017 and 2019 was 31% higher than the historical average.
The institute’s CEO, Daniel Bernhard, said it was a major concern for Canada, which relies heavily on immigration to grow its population and expand its tax base.
“If we don’t change our mindset, we will never solve these problems,” he said, according to Global News. “What immigrants tell us is that actually, you may not be as sexy as you think.”
Daksh Panwar is a journalist and broadcaster based in Ontario.
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